Reina: Higuain exit strengthened us

The Partenopei goalkeeper commented on the loss of their star striker, who amassed 38 goals in 42 games across all competitions last season, saying his departure was inevitable as the Argentina international requested a transfer along with Juve matching the asking price.

Reina alluded to the injury of marksman Arkadiusz Milik, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament whilst on international duty with Poland.

"The departure of Higuain? His sale has allowed us to take different players who have improved a team was already very good last year," the Spain international told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Although we have improved, it is clear that what happened with [Arkadiusz] Milik changes things.

"The loss of Pipita [Higuain] was an inevitable sacrifice. If someone comes and pays the clause, the club can do very little. Higuain made requests that were rejected and that was how it went.

"Now we must turn the page and look ahead with confidence in people that were already here and those who arrived, with or without Milik."

Reina also referenced Morata, who recently revealed that he turned down a move to Naples, adding: "There is no doubt that this is respectable and honourable. The fact that Pipita went shows that he does not think like Morata."